October 21, 2005

MGH physician recognized for outstanding service to the Latino community

Ernesto Gonzalez, MD, of MGH Dermatology and associate director for the Multicultural Affairs Office (left), recently was recognized by both the MGH and the City of Boston for outstanding service to the Latino community.

On Oct. 7, the Latino Heritage Month (LHM) Planning Committee honored Gonzalez with the first-ever MGH Award for Outstanding Service to the Latino Community. Gonzalez has devoted a large part of his 30-year career at the MGH to helping, mentoring and inspiring Latino members of the MGH community and beyond. He has developed a regional Latino medical student mentorship program, as well as spearheaded a pediatrics telemedicine project between the MGH and Hospital Buen Samaritano in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. This project allows MGH physicians to consult remotely to diagnose and recommend treatment for underserved children. In an emotional speech, Gonzalez thanked all who have helped him succeed, including his mother, who instilled in him the value of education.

The award recognizes an MGH employee who has contributed to Latino-based
initiatives within or outside the institution and whose contributions build bridges with the MGH Latino community in areas beyond daily duties and responsibilities. In honor of Gonzalez as the first recipient, this award now will carry his name.

The moving ceremony also included remarks from Carmen Vega-Barachowitz, an LHM committee representative; Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH; Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH, senior scientist at the MGH Institute of Health Policy; and Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources.

Gonzalez also was one of five Latinos recognized Oct. 13 at the city's first Hispanic Heritage Celebration at City Hall. He was selected for his continued commitment to the Latino community through service at the MGH and abroad.